“Please excuse me.”
He hurried back into the house and up to his chamber where he removed his cravat and suitcoat, leaving only his linen shirt, trousers and waistcoat and boots. He had seen other local men in Cape Town and the surrounding dressed similarly or even less properly than he was now and decided that he did not care what anyone thought. After he retrieved the worn leather hat that he had procured in Greece after his face had burned during the crossing of the Mediterranean from Italy, he once again joined Caroline on the terrace.
Caroline was just tying the ribbon of her straw hat beneath her chin when he arrived.
At his appearance, she arched a brow. “Goodness, such impropriety for an earl is unheard of.”
“Yes, well, upon reconsideration, I would also rather be comfortable.” He gestured to the door. “Shall we?”
She gave a nod then walked past him, through the house until she exited onto the front drive, Sterling following. Waiting was a stable hand who held the reins of two saddled horses, as requested. A footman held a basket of foodstuffs and a maid held a blanket.
After giving Caroline a leg up, she got herself situated, making certain that her legs were covered and then she took the reins and then blanket, which she draped over the horse while Sterling tied the basket to the back of his saddle then mounted his horse and took the reins from the stable hand.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“I look forward to our outing, Lord Wyndham.”
“I believe my mother is attempting to organize my life,” Sterling said once they were on the main road.
“Why do you think so?”
“She claims that she does not want me to leave Wyndview Farmuntil it is necessary, yet she does not appear to want me around either.”
“Perhaps she does not want you to grow bored while you wait to meet with my father,” Caroline suggested.
“No, I think it is more. I get the distinct feeling that she does not want me spending too much of my free time at Wyndview Farm.” He glanced over and waited to see if Caroline would have a response. She was looking straight ahead, pearly teeth biting her bottom lip.
Strange.
“Would you know why my mother keeps sending me away?”
Caroline winced at his question.
“What are you keeping from me?”
“It is not for me to say.”
“If it is about me, you most certainly are at liberty to say.”
“Your mother’s concerns are inconsequential given the reason for your visit. They are truly harmless.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
Caroline straightened. Likely because of his sharp tone.
“I am sorry but if you must know, my mother is the most maddening and frustrating woman alive.”
Sterling had not expected Caroline to agree with him but was surprised at her giggle.
“Please tell me what my mother is about?”
She glanced at him, indecision in her brown eyes. “Do you promise not to say anything to her?”
“That would depend on what you tell me.”
“Then I will not tell you anything unless you promise me.”
“I cannot make such a promise when I do not know what my mother is up to or what you might tell me.”
